WESTPORT, Conn. (Sept. 11, 2008) — Save the Children is working to ensure that children displaced by the conflict in Georgia have a safe place to play and several hours of normalcy during the day as their parents work to rebuild their lives.

Zaza, age 8, and his sister Mariam, age 6, at a shelter in Georgia.

The agency has established child-friendly spaces in Tbilisi for children currently living in two kindergartens. More than 150 children there now have regular opportunities to interact with new friends, play sports and express themselves in a structured environment.

Save the Children also has eight mobile teams traveling to additional shelters, setting up games, art projects and other activities. These teams, working with 35 shelters in Rustavi and Tbilisi, have reached more than 400 children. In addition, they provide information, advice and support to parents at the shelters.

"Children are very resilient, and we know from experience that providing them with a safe and structured environment — one where they can just be kids and where they are not exposed to additional dangers — helps them overcome difficult experiences," said Deb Barry, Save the Children's child protection adviser, from Tbilisi. "Child-friendly spaces also allow children to continue their learning and development, even in difficult circumstances."

In addition, parents of children in Save the Children's child-friendly spaces have reported that their children are sleeping better at night and are excited to have something to look forward to every day.

"I already see changes in my daughters," said Nino, a mother of three from Gori. "They calmed down, started playing and even slept well last night. We feel so stressed and lost, and I don't know how to help my girls without support from Save the Children."

Save the Children is coordinating its response with other relief agencies by providing child-focused expertise in emergency food relief, shelter, non-food relief, children's protection and their health and nutrition.

Save the Children has worked in Georgia since 1993, providing health, education and livelihood programs among the country's most vulnerable populations, including street children and displaced families.

Donate now to support Save the Children’s immediate and long-term response to the children and families affected by the conflict in Georgia.